|
8920
|
Equivalence relations are reflexive, symmetric and transitive, and classify similar objects [Lipschutz]
|
|
Full Idea:
A relation R on a non-empty set S is an equivalence relation if it is reflexive (for each member a, aRa), symmetric (if aRb, then bRa), and transitive (aRb and bRc, so aRc). It tries to classify objects that are in some way 'alike'.
|
|
From:
Seymour Lipschutz (Set Theory and related topics (2nd ed) [1998], 3.9)
|
|
A reaction:
So this is an attempt to formalise the common sense notion of seeing that two things have something in common. Presumably a 'way' of being alike is going to be a property or a part
|
|
23223
|
The word 'respect' ranges from mere non-interference to the highest levels of reverence [Blackburn]
|
|
Full Idea:
The word 'respect' seems to span a spectrum from simply not interfering, passing by on the other side, through admiration, right up to reverence and deference. This makes it uniquely well placed for ideological purposes.
|
|
From:
Simon Blackburn (Religion and Respect [2005], p.2)
|
|
A reaction:
Most people understand the world perfectly well, but only when they fully understand the context. I've taken to distinguishing conditional from unconditional forms of respect. Everyone is entitled to the unconditional form, which has limits.
|
|
19813
|
All legislators invoke God in support of extraordinary laws, because their justification is not obvious [Machiavelli]
|
|
Full Idea:
There has never been a single legislator who, in proposing extraordinary laws, did not have recourse to God, for otherwise they would not be accepted, since many benefits known to a prudent man do not have evident persuasive reasons.
|
|
From:
Niccolo Machiavelli (The Discourses [1520], 1.11), quoted by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - The Social Contract (tr Cress) II.7 n8
|
|
A reaction:
It does seem to be an important role for God and state religion, to give support to decisions and laws which might not be intrinsically popular.
|
|
7126
|
Rulers should preserve the foundations of religion, to ensure good behaviour and unity [Machiavelli]
|
|
Full Idea:
It is the duty of the rulers of a republic or a kingdom to preserve the foundations of the religion they hold; if they do this, it will be an easy thing for them to keep their state religious, and consequently good and united.
|
|
From:
Niccolo Machiavelli (The Discourses [1520], I.12)
|
|
A reaction:
This is the germ of Marx's view, that the sole role of religion is political, as a tool used by the ruling classes to keep the populace in their place. The same idea can be found in Critias (Idea 542). But what is wrong with some central moral guidance?
|